Planting vegetables with a Toddler

I’ve been meaning to get in the garden and plant out the vegetables for over a month but have not had the chance or the motivation. There was a break in the weather and couldn’t think of any more excuses to put off doing it and to get me and the toddler out in the Sun. Also i found out it was National Gardening Week and the list of things to do inspired me.

Last year was one of those hallmark moments, with the boy then 2 years old it was a lovely sunny day and planting was a joy. What a differences a year makes.

Within 3 seconds of being outside he had managed to cover his top in compost, I’m still not completely sure how ether as the compost I bought was still sealed.

As he was now so dirty I thought I’d set him to work, I handed him a trowel and pointed him in the direction off a planter. He weeded and turned over the whole thing in minutes and I hate to say it but he did a better job than I would have done. This may be his superpower, not that it has many other applications in a crime fighting capacity but if your garden needs turning over and weeding he’s your man.

I thought that job was going to buy me time to plant the vegetable seeds so I had to change tactics. I invented some garden games to get the job done and get the boy to do most for the work.

Mud shot-putting

First was “Mud shot-putting”, I put a plastic sheet out with all the pots I needed filling and we through mud until all the pots are full. I must admit I’m not sure who had more fun with this.

Poke and Plant

“Poke and Plant” was a little boring but we both struggled though. We both would poke a hole in the soil and drop in a seed. To make it fun we raced to see who could finish first, I’d like to say I let him win but no he lost badly and with that another life lesson was done.

Make it rain

“Make it rain” was great fun, with watering cans in hand we soaked everything. When i say everything I mean the whole garden was soaked, even the dog was in the firing line till he made a tactical retreat to the Kitchen.

This was certainly a more difficult than last year but was a lot more fun. I’m got to make more of an effort to be in the garden more this year. I love seeing my boy picking Vegetables we have grown together and sitting down to eat them even more.